Admissions Testing Policy Updates in response to COVID-19

Which colleges have changed their admissions testing policies in response to COVID-19?

Updated June 5th at 9:00 AM EST

In the wake of SAT and ACT cancellations due to COVID-19, many students in the class of 2021 are concerned they won’t be able to complete testing in time to apply to their schools of choice. Thankfully, colleges are responding to these concerns by adapting their admissions testing policies. Some have adopted a temporary test-optional stance during this uncertain time. Others have moved more quickly toward permanent test-optional policies that had already been under consideration. Keep in mind that test-optional does not mean test-blind—schools still consider submitted test scores as important evidence when making admissions decisions. Rather, these shifts in policies are designed to relieve some of the uncertainty that high school students feel right now.

Announcements are coming from the colleges almost daily and the specifics of the policies vary from school to school. In an effort to make the research a little easier for everyone, we are maintaining a list of colleges that have announced a change to their admissions testing policies in response to COVID-19. The list is not exhaustive, but we have made every effort to include those schools most often considered by Applerouth students. Always check directly with your schools to understand the specifics of their current admissions policies and how they affect you.¹

With change happening almost daily, this list is, by definition, a constant work in progress. We continue to monitor the news closely and will make updates regularly. We view this as a collective effort within the Applerouth community, so we invite you to email us at info@applerouth.com if you hear about a policy change that we should add to the list. For more information about test policies and admissions, we encourage you to check out our Expert’s Corner blog and download our free, comprehensive Guide to College Admissions Testing.

We’re all in this together, and the more we can give students the information they need right now, the better.

Test-optional for applicants for the first-year class during the 2020-21 admission cycle

The college has communicated with high schools, letting them know students will not be penalized in admissions for school closures, pass-fail grading, or other similar changes made in response to COVID-19

Test scores can be self-reported on application for Fall 2020. Students admitted will be required to submit official scores if they enroll. Test optional for some programs for Fall 2020. Fall 2021 and beyond, Rochester Institute of Technology will be test optional.

Test-optional for students applying as freshmen or transfers during the 2020-21 admissions cycle

For students who choose to submit test scores, results will be considered as part of holistic admissions process

Due to school closings, remote learning, activity cancellations, and temporary changes in high school grading systems, they will grant additional flexibility and are willing to work with students affected by COVID-19 and their school counselors

¹All applicants and especially those with unique circumstances (such as international students, transfer students,and athletes requiring academic eligibility) must look closely at each school’s policy to determine if test scores are needed. International students will also need to determine IELTS/TOEFL policies, as many schools have indicated that they will still require those tests.

²Unless otherwise noted, all policies are temporary and apply only for the years indicated.

³A-G courses are a series of high school classes that students must complete with a grade C or better to be minimally eligible for admission to UC System schools.

⁴Students should always check directly with schools of interest for the latest information about scholarships and aid.

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